60th and Chancellor Streets redevelopment project rendering (courtesy of WPRE)

A large-scale redevelopment project has been proposed for the site of the former Imperial Ballroom building at 215-19 S. 60th Street and other nearby properties that will include construction of affordable housing, new community and event spaces, and a new public park or parking lot.

The basic project description so far is as follows, according to the developer, West Philadelphia Real Estate (WPRE):

• New construction of 30 affordable housing units along S. 60th Street and the 5900 block of Chancellor Street.
• New construction of three ground floor community spaces at 221, 225 and 227 S. 60th St. These spaces will be rented for nominal consideration ($1) to non-profit community groups who provide services to benefit the 60th Street Corridor / Cobbs Creek neighborhood.
• The Imperial Ballroom whose rear section was recently demolished to allow for the affordable housing properties along Chancellor Street will have its front section rehabilitated back to an event space that will be rented to the general public for events such as birthday parties, graduations, wedding parties, etc.
• Several lots spanning from 229 through 239 S. 60th Street will be developed into a public park or a parking lot based on community feedback.

Community members are invited to attend a public zoning hearing for this project and to provide their feedback. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. in the Holmes School Auditorium located at 5429 Chestnut St.